634 - A Quality Improvement Integrated Kangaroo Mother Care (QIiKMC) Learning Program-Development with Partner Assisted Implementation

Poster Number: 634
Publication Number: 634.315

Douglas D. McMillan, Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada; Majeeda Kamaluddeen, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada; Susan Niermeyer, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, United States; WILLIAM KEENAN, st louis u, SAINT LOUIS, MO, United States; Khalid Aziz, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Background: Benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for small neeborn babies are well demonstrated; implementation is challenging

Objective: To integrate Evidence- based Program for Improving Quality (EPIQ) with a practical KMC learning and test implementation.

Design/Methods: Development Process- 1. Six neonatologists with experience in global health and quality improvement (QI) drafted an interactive, pictorial-based curriculum. 2.Review by 13 selected global experts helped modify content. 3. Clinical skills and QI exercises were adapted for healthcare providers assisting mothers to provide care. 4. An Appendix included a KMC Readiness Survey, knowledge assessment (previously validated) parent information and course assessment. 5. In Tanzania and Uganda, modified EPIQ and QIiKMC were presented virtually (local experts facilitated clinical skills) over six 2- 2&1/2 hour sessions. In Nepal (with other previous QI), QIiKMC only was presented. After each, modifications were made. 6. A video introduction and video exercise demonstration were made, 7. QIiKMC learning materials were posted at < www.cnf-fnc.ca >.
Implementation- Facilitated by a Rotary Global Grant, implementation was initiated in Mbarara, Uganda.

Results: An innovative program for healthcare providers assisting KMC learning of mothers was completed. In 33 physicians and nurses, QIiKMC knowledge scores increased from 79 to 88%. 77% of participants indicated the learning process was useful or very useful. Positive comments included "The link between EPIQ and KMC aided identification and solving problems" and liked "usefulness of family involvement in caring for the newborn in hospital and at home". Negative comments related to "more time for hands on", "I prefer physical training rather than virtual training when COVID is gone" and wanted  "workshop to be conducted during working hours after corona (sic)".
Use of KMC increased from 0 to 65% in preterm babies August to October 2023.Staff reported increased job satisfaction and associated QI projects. Length of healthcentre stay was reduced by 5 days. Families helped other families use KMC. One father stated "When my baby grows up, I will let him know that it was my warmth which kept him alive". The Uganda government increased funding to allow expansion from 4 to 8 KMC beds.

Conclusion(s): QIiKMC facilitated learning of knowledge and skills. Implementation was considered successful although more is required. Additional studies are needed to assess QIiKMC implementation and impact for small newborn babies.
*Appreciated funding from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Rotary Foundation